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north-west end of Douglas Island, near Pitt Meadows, British Columbia -
Canada

Phase:

En route

Nature:

Training

Departure airport:

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (YVR/CYVR)

Destination airport:

Pitt Meadows, British Columbia (CYPK)

Narrative:The Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, C-FAAD, was on solo training flight from Vancouver International Airport. On establishing an 8 to 10-foot hover from a normal approach to a clear area at the north-west end of Douglas Island, near Pitt Meadows Airport, a grinding noise was heard from behind the cockpit. The pilot immediately lowered the collective to land but the helicopter suddenly pitched nose down significantly. As the helicopter contacted the ground, it rolled onto its left side. The pilot, who was not injured, turned off the fuel and master switches before exiting the aircraft.

It was determined that the helicopter was on an approach to landing and struck the tail during the flare which resulted in the tail boom being cut off.

Aircraft presumably written off (damaged beyond repair) as the registration C-FAAD was belatedly cancelled on 09-04-2009. (The registration mark as re-allocated to a Rans RV-6A on 25-08-2009)